How to Play Multiplayer in Minecraft Pocket Edition (Bedrock Edition): Cross-Platform Guide

Minecraft Pocket Edition is now simply Minecraft (Bedrock Edition) on iOS, Android, Fire OS, Windows 10/11, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch. It features full cross-platform multiplayer. The old "no true multiplayer" limitation is obsolete (pre-2017).

Methods to Play Together

1. Local (LAN) - Same Wi-Fi / Hotspot

• Host opens world -> Settings -> Multiplayer -> Visible to LAN Players: ON.
• Friends on same network: Play -> Friends tab -> World appears at bottom. Join.
• No Xbox Live account needed. Works offline (hotspot).

2. Realms (Official Mojang Servers) - Easiest Persistent World

• Realms Plus ($7.99/mo): 10 players + Marketplace content.
• Realms (Java separate): Bedrock Realms for mobile/console/Win10.
• Host creates Realm in-game -> Invite via Xbox Gamertag / Share Link. 24/7 uptime, auto-backups.

3. Friends / Invite Code (Xbox Live / Microsoft Account Required)

• Both players: Sign in with Microsoft Account (free) in-game (Profile -> Sign In).
• Add each other as Xbox Friends (Xbox App / console / website).
• Host loads world -> Pause -> Invite to Game. Friend joins via Friends tab.
• Works cross-platform (iOS + Android + Win10 + Xbox + PS + Switch).

4. Public / Private External Servers

• Play -> Servers -> Featured (Hive, Cubecraft, Galaxite, NetherGames) -> Play.
• Add External Server: Server Address (IP:Port) -> Name -> Save. (Java Edition servers do not work on Bedrock).
• Popular: Lifeboat, Mineplex, HyperLands, PikaNetwork.

5. Split Screen (Console Only)

• Xbox / PlayStation / Switch: 2-4 players local. Sign in additional controllers with separate accounts (or guest). Start world -> Press Start on 2nd controller.
• Not available on Mobile / Windows 10.

Requirements

• Same Version: All players must update to latest Bedrock version.
• Microsoft Account: Required for Realms, Friends, Servers, Cross-play. (Not for LAN).
• Xbox Live Gold / Game Pass Core / PS Plus / NSO: Required for online multiplayer on Consoles (Xbox/PS/Switch). Not required on Mobile / Windows 10 / LAN.